iStock/PeopleImagesNot sure whether or not you're ready to -- or should -- hit the "play" button on your sex life yet? Check out these tips from an expert and from other moms for knowing when it's right to get back in the sack.

Wait at Least Six Weeks

"We generally recommend vaginal rest for the first six weeks after having a baby. This means nothing in the vagina including douching, tampons, or intercourse. During this time, the vagina heals from lacerations and the uterus returns to pre-pregnancy size. Intercourse prior to six weeks risks interrupting vaginal repairs, increased bleeding, and the introduction of infection." -- Kameelah Phillips, MD, OB/GYN, AdvantageCare Physicians, New York, NY

Let Yourself Heal

"After having a baby, there is a lot of healing that needs to happen. If you aren't healed properly and have sex, you are setting yourself up for more pain and a longer recovery."

Follow the Doctor's Orders

"I would definitely wait the six weeks for health reasons. Everything needs the time to heal. Obviously, you won't die if you don't wait, but you don't want an infection. You probably don't want to get pregnant again yet either!"

Wait Until You Feel Ready

"Everyone has a different experience with childbirth, and some have mild-mannered babies, while other babies are colicky and very demanding. That can ruin the mood! You should have sex again when you feel up to it. Also, there are a lot of other ways to be intimate besides regular sex."

Wait Until Your Checkup

"I'm planning on waiting until after my six-week checkup. I know others don't, but I like to make sure that everything's okey-dokey before I do anything."

Go for It If You're Truly Ready

"I had sex five days postpartum because I was dying to! I had been on bed rest for months and it was my husband's birthday. I had it again 12 days postpartum and pretty much every other day after. I had minimal tearing and was fine with it."

The advice on CafeMom aims to educate, inform, and provide a range of solutions to the issues moms care about. It is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.